From hairdressing school to budget salons, learn what your options are when looking for a cheap yet quality haircut.
1) Average Costs & Key Influencers
On average, a standard women’s haircut (cut only) in Melbourne falls within the $65 to $85 range, while a men’s cut typically costs between $35 and $55. Any service priced significantly below these figures can be considered budget-friendly.
However, these averages are heavily skewed by several factors.
i. Location Is Key. The most significant factor influencing price is geography. Salons located in the CBD and affluent inner-city suburbs like South Yarra or Armadale charge a premium of 20% to 40% more than their suburban counterparts.
For instance, a men’s cut that costs $35-$65 in the northern suburbs can easily jump to $65-$95 in the city center.
This geographical price difference is the cornerstone of any budget-hunting strategy: looking beyond the inner city is the fastest way to save.
ii. Salon Tiers. Salons generally fall into distinct pricing tiers:
- Budget Chains and Salons: Typically charge $25-$45 for a standard cut.
- Mid-Range Salons (including most suburban and shopping centre locations): Prices range from $55 to $120.
- Premium and CBD Salons: Start at $120 and can exceed $250 for a cut alone.
iii. Service Complexity and Gendered Pricing.
The price difference between men’s and women’s haircuts is largely tied to the time and complexity of the service.
- A basic men’s clipper cut is a quicker service, often priced between $30 and $40.
- In contrast, a women’s cut and blow-dry is a longer appointment involving more intricate scissor work and styling, with prices starting from $65-$99 and frequently surpassing $140 at mid-range salons.
A premium salon charging over $150 for a cut may be justified for a complex restyle requiring a high degree of creative input. However, for a simple trim to maintain an existing style, a $45 service at a reputable suburban salon offers far greater value.
The most effective cost-saving approach begins with a self-assessment of the required service complexity before selecting a salon tier, thereby preventing overspending on unnecessary expertise.
iv. Tiered Pricing.
Many hair salons also have a tiered pricing system based on the experience level of the stylist, with services from a Director or Senior Stylist costing 15-25% more than those from a Junior or Emerging Stylist.
At a premium salon like BODA, a haircut and blow-wave can range from $115 with an Emerging stylist to $160 with a Director.
By booking with a less senior stylist, a client can access the high standards of a premium salon at a price point closer to that of a mid-range one.
2) The Ultimate Budget Hack: Melbourne’s Hairdressing Schools
For the most budget-conscious individuals willing to trade a little extra time for substantial savings, Melbourne’s hairdressing training academies are an unparalleled resource.
Low Prices
These institutions operate fully functional salons where students, under the close supervision of experienced educators, provide a wide range of services at a fraction of commercial prices.
The value proposition is clear. A men’s cut can be as low as $5, and a women’s cut and blow-wave can be found for between $15 and $35. This represents a saving of over 70% compared to average salon prices.
However, it is important to manage expectations. Appointments at training schools take considerably longer, a simple cut can last an hour or more, as students work meticulously and instructors perform regular checks to ensure quality.
Beyond Basic Trims
These academies are not limited to basic trims. They offer a low-risk, affordable environment to experiment with complex, high-cost services.
For example, commercial salons often charge upwards of $400 for balayage or keratin treatments. At a student salon, these services become accessible. Victoria University’s Aura salon offers balayage from $95 and keratin smoothing from $160, while Kangan Institute provides a full head of foils for just $30.
This transforms training academies from being merely a place for cheap cuts into a hub for affordable experimentation with modern styles and treatments.
Scheduling
One practical consideration is scheduling. Most TAFE and academy salons operate during standard business hours on weekdays (e.g., 9:30 am to 4:00 pm) and may be closed during school holidays. This model primarily benefits students, freelancers, and those with flexible work schedules.
This “flexibility dividend” means that those who can attend during these off-peak hours can access the most significant savings available in the city.
Below is a directory of prominent Melbourne hairdressing schools offering public salon services.
| Institution | Location(s) | Men’s Cut | Ladies’ Cut & Blow-dry | Half Head Foils |
| Victoria University (Aura) | City Campus | $15 | $25 | $85 – $95 (with toner) |
| Melbourne Polytechnic | Preston | $5 – $15 | ~$25 | $70 (with toner) |
| Box Hill Institute | Box Hill | $5 (Barbershop) | $15 | $50 – $65 |
| Kangan Institute | Cremorne | $5 | $10 | $20 |
| BIBA Academy | Fitzroy, CBD | ~$10 – $20 | ~$30 | $130 (from) |
| MCOHB | Docklands | $15 | $35 | ~$110 (Full head) |
Note: Prices may be outdated and are subject to change. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm current pricing and availability.
3) Budget Salon Chains: Quick, Convenient & Affordable
For those who need a reliable, no-fuss haircut, budget chains offer a compelling options. Brands like Just Cuts have built their business model on speed, convenience, and transparent pricing.
Simplicity
The primary appeal of these chains is their operational simplicity. They predominantly operate on a walk-in basis. Their pricing is typically a flat rate.
For example, Just Cuts advertises a standard “Style Cut” for a fixed price of around $47, regardless of whether it is a minor trim or a more significant restyle.
This model removes the financial anxiety that can accompany a salon visit, where add-ons and surcharges can inflate the final bill.
Convenience
These chains are almost exclusively located in high-traffic shopping centres, ensuring maximum accessibility across Melbourne’s suburbs. Other brands, such as Cuts and Colour or Smart Cuts & Color, operate on a similar walk-in, budget-friendly model but also offer colouring services, often promoting package deals that bundle a cut, colour, and blow-wave.
Limitations
However, the budget-friendly model has its limitations. The experience is no-frills, and at chains like Just Cuts, a “no requests” system means clients are typically assigned to the next available stylist.
More importantly, the value proposition can diminish rapidly once services extend beyond a basic cut.
Customer reviews and ancillary price lists show that a blow-dry can add another $35 to $80 to the bill, a charge that can feel disproportionately high. This effectively pushes the total cost into the mid-range salon bracket. Therefore, while these chains are excellent for their primary service, it is crucial to clarify the cost of any additional styling beforehand.
4) Finding the Sweet Spot: Discovering Melbourne’s Best Value Suburban Salons
The best balance of affordable and quality service in Melbourne is most often found in the city’s independent suburban salons. Away from the high rents of the CBD, these local businesses are frequently staffed by highly skilled stylists.
Not all suburbs are created equal when it comes to haircut prices.
The West (Footscray, Sunshine)
Widely regarded as Melbourne’s most affordable area for hair services, the western suburbs are a goldmine for budget seekers. Salons here offer remarkable value.
For example, Vivi Hair Salon in Footscray lists men’s cuts from just $10 and ladies’ from $12, while KIS Hair Salon offers a full shampoo, cut, and blow-dry package from $48.
In Sunshine, Stub Cuts operates as a “$10 haircut specialist,” further cementing the area’s reputation for affordability.
This value is often amplified by the presence of stylists who have honed their skills in more expensive CBD salons before opening their own businesses in these growing communities, offering clients premium talent at suburban prices.
The North (Brunswick, Preston, Coburg)
These suburbs are characterized by their vibrant, multicultural communities and highly competitive pricing. The area is rich with independent salons and cultural specialists, such as Turkish barbers and Korean salons, which are noted for providing excellent value.
These businesses often rely on local, repeat clientele, which fosters strong price competition and a focus on quality for specific services, like expert fades or colouring techniques.
Salons like Beauty Xtasy in Brunswick offer basic women’s cuts from $39, with many local barbers providing quality cuts in the $15-$30 range.
In contrast, it is wise to be cautious in more affluent suburbs. Bayside areas like Brighton and St Kilda, along with established eastern suburbs such as Kew and Camberwell, often have pricing structures that rival the inner city, sometimes attributed to a “snob tax” or “beach lifestyle” premium.
5) Finding Deals Online
The rise of online booking platforms has created unprecedented price transparency.
Booking Platforms (Fresha, Bookwell, Booksy)
These apps and websites are essential for modern deal-hunting. They allow users to search for specific services in their local area and instantly compare prices across dozens of salons. This forces nearby salons to compete more directly on price, and many use the platforms to offer special “Deals” or off-peak discounts to attract customers.
Deal Aggregators (Groupon, Scoopon)
For those seeking a package deal (e.g., cut, colour, and treatment), these websites remain a valuable resource. They frequently feature offers with discounts of 50% or more. The key is to carefully read the fine print, as surcharges for long or thick hair, or for weekend appointments, are common.
Gig Economy Platforms (Airtasker)
For clients comfortable with a less traditional setup, Airtasker can connect them with mobile or home-based hairdressers. Posted tasks show real-world prices for services, with men’s haircuts often completed for $30-$60.
6) Top Tips For Maximum Savings When Visiting A Hair Salon
Request a Dry Cut
Arriving with clean, dry hair and asking for a dry cut can reduce the appointment time and cost. Some stylists prefer cutting dry to better see the hair’s natural shape, especially for curly textures. Salons like Mia Bella offer a “Ladies Dry Cut” at a lower price than a full wash-and-cut service.
Skip the Salon Blow-Dry
A professional blow-dry is a luxury that can add $35 to $70 or more to the final bill. Unless heading to a special event, opting to leave with wet hair or with a quick, rough dry is one of the easiest ways to cut costs.
Book with a Junior Stylist
As previously noted, choosing an emerging stylist at a reputable salon is a fantastic strategy. These stylists are fully qualified but are still building their clientele, and their services are priced accordingly, often with discounts of 10-20%.
Become a Hair Model
For the ultimate discount, inquire at high-end salons or academies about opportunities to be a hair model for training sessions or creative portfolios. These services are often free or heavily subsidized.
Seek Off-Peak and Last-Minute Deals
Many salons offer lower prices for weekday appointments to fill their schedules. Following local salons on social media is also a great way to catch last-minute deals offered to fill unexpected cancellations.
